New York-Penn League All Stars set to shine in St. George

Advance file photo by Hilton FloresThe Staten Island Yankees Eduardo Sosa will play for the American League affiliates at the 2010 New York-Penn League All Star game tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George.

The Staten Island Yankees will host the New York-Penn League All-Star for the first time in franchise’s 12-year history when the best players from all three divisions descend on the Richmond County Bank Ballpark tomorrow at 7 p.m.

A home run derby, team autograph sessions, batting practice, memorabilia auctions, a cap giveaway and post-game fireworks will all be part of the full lineup of activities.

It’s a golden opportunity for local fans to catch a glimpse of some of the best young talent in professional baseball.

The Baby Bombers will be represented by pitchers Michael O’Brien, Preston Claiborne and Chase Whitley as well as shortstop Jose Mojica and centerfielder Eduardo Sosa.

“It’s going to be great,” said Whitley, the Bombers’ closer. “To have the five of us selected, and with Josh (Paul) and our staff managing, it’s going to be fun, especially playing in front of the home crowd. And it’s funny that we’re playing against Brooklyn again (Wally Backman and his staff is coaching the side of NL-affiliated teams). The teams look pretty even. Plus, it’s going to be fun playing with some of the guys we’ve been competing against this year. I made the all-conference team in college, but there’s no game that goes with that, so this is the first type of All-Star game I’ve been a part of.”

For a ticket price of $16, fans will be treated to a full night of entertainment to go along with the game itself.

“The Staten Island Yankees consistently provide affordable entertainment value to our fans and our hosting of the New York-Penn League All-Star Game promises to deliver one of the greatest sports and entertainment values ever for families in the metropolitan area,” said Joseph Ricciutti, President of the Staten Island Yankees.

The best of the American League will take the field for batting practice followed by an autograph session. Next up, the best of the National League will take the field for batting practice and an autograph session where fans get their chance to meet the future stars of the MLB. Fans will be treated to a Home Run Derby starting at 5:45 p.m. and first pitch is at 7 p.m.

A limited edition Staten Island Yankees All-Star Game commemorative cap will be given away to all paid admissions and the 2009 New York Yankees World Series Trophy will be on display.

In addition to these pre-game activities, fans will be able to participate in three auctions. The first will involve the auctioning off of authentic New York Yankees memorabilia signed by such players as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia and many more.

The second will see the All-Star jerseys auctioned right off the backs of the 2010 New York-Penn League All-Stars. The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation will also auction off signed baseballs by former NYPL players currently in the major leagues. The NYPL All-Star Game and a post-game fireworks show complete the night’s festivities.

“It’s obviously an honor,” said Paul. “The league changed the rules this year to where the host team’s manager staffs the game, and I’m obviously happy to do it.”

For those in the family that might not be the biggest baseball fan in the world, there will be plenty to do and see at the All-Star Game.

Mascot and fan favorite, Scooter, will be roaming the stadium with cohorts, Huck and Red, bringing smiles to kids of all ages.

There is also the Staten Island Advance Fun Zone out by left field with Tee-Ball, Skee-Ball, Face Painting, Moon Bounce, Speed Pitches, and more to add to the fun.

Just in case there may be a bit of energy left after all of that, kids can run the bases after the game, where Scooter will be there waiting to high-five them as they round third base.

Call the Staten Island Yankees at (718) 720-9265 or visit www.siyanks.com/AllStar to order tickets.2010 New York-Penn League All-Star Team Rosters